Soccer: Unconfirmed $2.75b bid for Gunners

Arsenal have had no contact over a potential takeover, sources said yesterday amid reports of a looming record bid by a Gulf consortium.

Reports in British newspapers suggested that an investment group backed by funds from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates was preparing a £1.5 billion ($2.75 billion) bid for the Premier League club.

However, sources close to the Gunners' board said there had been no approach - informal or otherwise - to the American owner Stan Kroenke, who had no intention of selling his controlling stake and remained "in it for the long term".

Kroenke pushed through his more than £430 million takeover in April 2011, and holds almost 67 per cent of the club, giving him overall control.